Oak Level

Baptist Church 7720 Oak Level Road Bassett, VA 24055 (276) 629-7973 olbc@comcast.net www.OakLevelBaptist.org

Volume 36 _________ February/March 2013

There Are Giants in the Land Numbers 13:26-33

“We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”, verse 33.

I have difficulty relating to the Israelites who at last were free from Pharaoh and who now lived in the desert. For nearly 400 years Egypt had been home. Though slaves, they did have some certainties. They had a variety of food, they lived in houses, families grew up together in the same location, there were no fears of enemies overrunning the land, and their days were predictable.

Now, almost two years into a nomadic desert lifestyle with no map available, the freed Israelites complain about everything. Egypt is beginning to look like the good life. They are constantly on the move, and being in new environs creates all manner of stress. You never know who will come riding over the hill who may wish you harm. And Moses is frequently absent for extended periods of time as he “meets with God”. Doubts arise, Moses is seen by many as a bigger problem than Pharaoh had been, and God even appears to become so distant that key leaders cave to the thought that it will be necessary to fashion a new god of gold in the form of a calf so he will be present and accessible. There have never been so many manna recipes. They’ve had baked manna, boiled manna, fried manna, natural manna, mcmanna mcnuggets, and even manana bread, but a couple of years of this has them murmuring big time. “Anything but manna!” “How about some meat?”

At this point there is some good news on the horizon. There is talk that a team of twelve will be selected to go into the Promised Land to check things out. Not just any twelve; these are leaders! Out of the desert and into a place prepared by God just for them. Can you feel the excitement? It would be the end to a couple of years living among the dunes and barrenness of the dry wilderness. Sand fleas, hot days, cold nights, miles and miles of sameness until a blowing and blistering sandstorm races through reshaping the landscape. Change is in the air!

Of the twelve explorers, what can you tell me about Igal and Nahbi? How about Geuel and Sethur? Sadly, there is nothing more we can say about 10 of the explorers, because after six weeks of travel in an exotic and rich country they returned prepared to give a bad report of the land God had appointed for them to possess.

In spite of the abundance of food and the richness of the land, 10 faithless naysayers turned an entire population against God and against the two obedient leaders, Caleb and Joshua. A nation wept aloud in fear and frustration. They grumbled, “If only we had died in Egypt!” Not one of the explorers denied the greatness and bounty of the new land. It did flow with milk and honey, it was like nothing they had seen before, it was fantastic! BUT...,according to the ten liars, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” Says who? God had already said He would give them the land.

BUT..., “The land we explored devours those living in it.” Excuse me? Whom did they see devoured by the land? In their next breath they state, “All the people we saw there are of great size.” I thought you just said they were devoured! “Don’t go there, because there are giants in the land!! They are so huge that we seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” I have no doubt that they encountered some very large men, and we can understand why they might say that they seemed like grasshoppers in their own eyes, but the ten explorers were creating even larger giants and fears by imagining how they looked in the giants eyes. Caleb and Joshua had a very different perspective, and to them, the giants looked like gnats, because Jehovah was able to deliver the giants into the hands of the Israelites. The whole assembly sides with the ten liars.

“SHARING THE JOURNEY”

The Lord responded to the majority decision, and it was not a pretty sight. He declared that because of their disobedience and rebellion, He would destroy all of the wicked grumblers. For the next forty years this unsavory generation would die off, their bones would be bleached by the desert sun, and none of those who had heard the promise of God would live to see the sweet land reserved for the nation.

You have been on a long journey on your way to the Promised Land, a place God has prepared. Those who have been selected to lead and explore this new land will assure you of several important truths.

1. There are indeed giants in the land. Some of these are giants of apathy. There is no passionate concern for the lost or for completing the mission to which this body has been called. These giants will threaten us with fear as we decide to win and disciple souls. Along the way they will seek to paralyze us or distract us with petty things that prevent us from focusing on the most important call to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”.

Other giants are those made up of dollars. It will be impossible to overcome the obstacles or move where we should because there are no resources. The bank is broke, the well is dry, and without money we can do nothing. These giants want to make us forget where our manna, meat, and water came from when we really did have nothing.

There are other giants that want us to believe that activity and programs mean we are OK and spiritually alive. Much activity only means we can make great noise and move around. On dry ground we can make dust. The Israelites were a very active people in the desert. They traveled to and fro for forty years, offered thousands of prayers and sacrifices, and even carried the tent of God and the ark of the covenant from one place to another, but in the shadow of these holy things they committed terrible sins, rebelled against God, and ultimately an entire generation lost the privilege to settle into the Promised Land.

And then there are giants who are experts at grumbling, complaining, and chewing to pieces those who would be like Moses, Caleb, and Joshua. No matter the fruit and goodness that is in the land God has promised or the fact that it flows with milk and honey, these giants only want to tell us why we can’t or shouldn’t go there. They are diabolically gifted in creating bad reports and stirring dissent. They are afraid to change course or cross a mountain or river. Because of the baggage they carry and their constant looking back, they will be those who would rather return to Egypt than to adventure into a new place.

2. Facing giants can be scary, and we will be challenged like we never were when we huddled together as slaves in Egypt. There are uncertainties, and maps haven’t yet been drawn for many of the roads we will take. From a distance the places giants live can appear as impregnable fortresses. We can only imagine the great weapons and devices they hold that can easily defeat us.

We will wonder about those who have deserted us and even believe that our numbers must be greater before we take the land from the giants. And what of those among us who lose heart when the trail steepens or the struggle becomes harder? Can we go it alone?

3. The final and most important truth to remember is that the land is exceedingly good, and God goes before us. “If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the giants of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of the giants.”

Do you get the picture? There may be giants in this land to which we go, but in Christ Jesus we are more than conquerors. Our Lord desires to bless us beyond belief with things we cannot imagine to accomplish things we’ve never dreamed that He might be honored, that Jesus Christ will be glorified, and this church will be built up! We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it. Are you ready?

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

Mar. 2 Glen P. Young Mar. 4 Jim Thomasson Mary Carter Brandi Hale Mar. 6 Courtney Snead Mar. 7 Julia R Wilshire Mar. 8 Janet Branscome Mar. 9 Mary Ann Turner Mar. 10 Kevin Atkins Mar. 12 Joe McMillan Joanna Martin Mar. 14 Andrew Hodges Emory Hodges Mar. 17 Al Harley Joshua Wilshire Mar. 18 Katina B. Pettit Mar. 20 Jamie Brown Lillian Forbes Mar. 21 Mischelle Mason Roger Young Mar. 23 Lora Atkins Sommer Carter Janice Ramsey Mar. 25 Lee W. Pettit Mar. 26 Lee Boswell Mar. 28 Jada Sweet Shannon Wright Lois Young Sue Young Mar. 29 James Edward Joyce Mar. 30 Jeremy Gill

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

Feb. 1 Jon Mark Atkins Feb. 5 Tena B. Cassady Feb. 6 Larisa Blair Holly Thompson Feb. 7 Tena Mullins Feb. 8 Dianne Chitwood Sara Seay Feb. 9 Dennis Wray Feb. 10 John K. Ramsey Feb. 11 Amy Starita Feb. 12 Monica Greer Betty Metz Feb. 13 Savanna Sirt Feb. 14 Martha Sue Meeks Feb. 15 Roger Woods Feb. 16 Jean Martin Feb. 17 Lucy Atkins Sharon Snead Wanda Stone Feb. 18 Sara Gill Martha Jane Gunter Feb. 19 Debra Workinger Cierra Underwood Feb. 20 Josephine Ferguson Jane Judson Marvin Seay Feb. 21 Tammy Foley Feb. 23 Robbie Wilson Feb. 24 Amy Lawson Feb. 25 Arthur Foley Linda McMillan Feb. 26 Mildred Ramsey Feb. 27 H. L. Snead Brian Judson Feb. 28 Tabitha Prichard

IN MEMORYIN MEMORYIN MEMORYIN MEMORY

Fund Name

General Fund John Allen Carter Sally Foster Grace McMillan Mullins Betty Mae Young Maggie Mae & Fera Koger (Parents of Nell Cannaday) Children’s Fund Sally Foster

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY The Inclement Weather Policy for Oak Level

Baptist Church is that if Henry County Schools and/or Franklin County Schools are canceled due to inclement weather, there will be no Thursday evening activities at the church. For announcements concerning Sunday Morning Services, listen to B99 FM radio or watch TV Stations, WDBJ, Channel 7 or WSLS, Channel 10, for possible church cancellations.

What is it? Operation Inasmuch - Virginia is a statewide hands-on mission

sponsored by the Virginia Network of Associational Workers. The goal is 80/80/80—80% of Associations with 80% of their churches involving 80% of their average Sunday School attendance across Virginia will conduct Inasmuch Day events serving 300,000+ people in need. When Is It Happening? Between September 13 and October 11, 2014 Be watching for more information during the year.

REHAB & REST HOME

RESIDENTS

Blue Ridge Manor, P.O. Box 4904, Martinsville, VA 24112 Alice Martin – Room 205 Blue Ridge Rehab, P.O. Box 4904.Martinsville, VA 24112 Edna Fulcher Ashby – Room 267 *Glen Young

Fork Mountain Rest Home, 2925 Fork Mtn. Rd. Rocky Mt, 24151 Golden Stone * Dianne Chitwood Howard Hodges Hazel Sizemore *Lillian Forbes Angela Mason

Hanson Home 162 Krontz Dr. Bassett, VA 24055

*Betty Sue Sparks

Harmony Hall P.O. Box 1614, Bassett, VA 24055 Louise Turner Betty Pagans

Blue Ridge Nursing Ctr, P.O Box 459, Stuart, VA 24171 Viola Turner Thelma Love

Stanleytown Health Care 240 Riverside Dr. Bassett, VA 24055

Arlene Harris – 217 Hazel Draper - 206

Christian sympathy extended to Daniel Young on the death of his wife and to J.T. and Dana Young on the death of their mother, Betty Mae Young, who passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2012. Betty was a member of Oak Level Baptist Church and sang in the choir.

Christian sympathy extended to Phyllis Draper Galan and the Draper Family and friends on the death of her husband, Larry Galan, who passed away Monday, November 26, 2012.

Christian sympathy extended to the family and friends of Helen Horne, who passed away Monday, November 26, 2012. She was the wife of the late Rev. Chevis Horne. The Chevis and Helen Horne Home for Developmentally Disabled Adults in Martinsville is named in honor of them.

Christian sympathy extended to the family & friends of Clarence Stegall, who passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2012.

Christian sympathy extended to Audie & Regina Atkins on the death of Regina’s mother, Hester Morrison Pedigo, who passed away Saturday, December 22, 2012.

Christian sympathy extended to Annette Coleman Mullins and her family and friends on the death of her husband, Kenneth Mullins, who passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2012.

Christian sympathy extended to Cierra and J. C. Underwood on the death of their father, Ronald L. Underwood, who passed away December 31, 2012.

Christian sympathy extended to the family and friends of Sara Ann Young Gulliams, who passed away Sunday, December 30, 2012.

Christian sympathy extended to the family and friends of Elmer Horsley who passed away Monday, December 31, 2012.

Christian sympathy extended to the family and friends of Pearlie Cassady Adkins, who passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2013.

Christian sympathy extended to the family and friends of Buddy A. Tuttle who passed away on Thursday, January 10, 2013. He was the husband of Jackie Tuttle and the father of Michele, David, and Jonathan Tuttle.

Christian sympathy extended to the family and friends of Don Shepherd who passed away this past week. He was the husband of Nancy Bousman’s daughter, Kim Shepherd.

MINISTERS BREAKFAST (Pastors, Staff Ministers, Retired Ministers)

Cost - FREE Monday, February 25, 2013 8:00 a.m. at the Dutch Inn

RSVP BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH By calling HCBA at 276-638-2951

or e-mail the HCBA at hcbaptists@hotmail .com

YOUTH NOTES

UPCOMING EVENTS: February 02 – Shrine Circus – Meet at church – 1:30 p.m.

February 16 - Valentine Banquet/Crock pot Extravaganza 5:30 p.m. in Church Fellowship Hall.

February – 23 – Visitation at HopeTree Home HopeTree provides Christian residential, educational, and support services to at-risk children and youth, and to adults with intellectual disabilities throughout VA.

Donations Needed for HOPE TREE ●Suave Body Wash ●Box of Tissues, ●Large size Hand Sanitizer ●Coloring Books & Crayons

March 31 – Easter Breakfast in Fellowship Hall. Finger Foods and Pastries will be served. Everyone is welcome.

THANK YOUTHANK YOUTHANK YOUTHANK YOU We would like to thank Ben & Peggy Morris for being there for us when we were in need of transportation for doctor appointments and dialysis treatments during the past weeks. They were so kind and helped us tremendously and we appreciate it so much. Cecil & Wanda Stone Thank you each and everyone for all your prayers on my behalf during my recent illness; as well as your visits and cards. I feel so blessed to have friends like you. Betty Metz

Oak Level Baptist Church would like to thank Roger Woods, Elmer Stone, and Jesse Cannaday for cleaning the snow & ice from the church parking two weeks in a row. It was a big job, and they worked very hard to get it done.

Thank you for remembering God’s Mission to the prisoners. It is greatly appreciated and will help to continue carrying out Jesus’ Great Commission. Joe Lee Good News Jail Ministry

JONES SCHOLARSHIP FUND Through the generosity of Inez and Casey Jones, assets have been set aside by Oak Level Baptist Church to provide scholarships not to exceed $2,000.00 to students attending institutions of higher learning. Beneficiaries of the fund shall be limited to active members of Oak Level Baptist Church and their immediate families, children, grandchildren, step children, etc. The applicants must also be a verifiable active member of a church. If you would like to apply, please call or e-mail the Church Office for an application.

With SympathyWith SympathyWith SympathyWith Sympathy

WMU CALENDAR

FEBRUARY 2013 02/09 – Emphasis for Global Missions 02/26 - WMU Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Program – Esther Hanks Prayer Calendar – Virginia Metz

MARCH 2013 March 03 – March 10 - Ingathering 03/09 – Women’s Luncheon 03/26- WMU Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

FROM THE CHAPLAIN AT FLUVANNA CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR WOMEN

Dear Oak Level Baptist Church, Thank you for your gift of hygiene items, greeting cards, postage stamps, stationary and pencils in support of our 2012 Christmas Gift Program for inmates at Fluvanna. Below are statistics that may help you better appreciate the impact of your giving to 1250 inmates. You are one of over 140 donors who contributed to: ● 42,500 greeting cards - estimated value $26,000.00 ● 6250 postage stamps – estimated value $2,813.00 ● 1250 hygiene kits – estimated value $7,000.00 ● 5,000 pencils & pads – estimated value $500.00 ● Cash donations - $5,009.00 The total value is well over $41,000.00! This is an incredible testimony of the impact people can have when they share God’s love. Ron Switzer, Chaplain’s Office Volunteer

STANDING ROCK INDIAN RESERVATION Items we will be collecting this year

☻New Shoes ☻Socks ☻Underwear (all sizes) ☻Gift Cards for food & supplies ☻Sewing Project – Tote Bags (See WMU Member for patterns)

WOMEN’S LUNCHEON

All Ladies are invited to a Women’s Luncheon, Saturday, March 09, 2013 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall. There will be a Lunch, Fellowship, Fun, Gifts, and also a craft time. Everyone please bring an item for Grace Network (food items) or for the Bland Ministry (paper towels, toilet paper). For more information see Donna Winebarger.

OLBC 2013 Goal - $4,000.00 You can change lives. 100 percent of your gift to CBF Offering for Global Missions will help people hear and experience the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2012-2013 STATE CHILDREN’S PROJECT

This is a cooperative effort to support Bland Ministry Center in Bland, VA. Children of Virginia have the opportunity to impact the lives of people in southwest VA by collecting paper towels and toilet paper to send to the Bland Center. Learn more about this project by visiting www.blandministrycenter.org.

SHINE – Steppin’ Out April 12-14, 2013 is a mission retreat for teenage girls and their leaders.

at Eagle Eyrie, Lynchburg, VA

The theme “Steppin’ Out” is based on Matthew 23:11-12. Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant…if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. Join us in 2013!